My July 4th Blessings...

The American Flag...whenever and wherever I see it displayed I feel both joy and pride for the red, white and blue. Freedom...to fly the flag, to live in this country, and to all the men and women who have given and continue to give so unselfishly to preserve this flag and the freedom it represents to me and to all who call "America" home.

For the beauty and colors of all the flowers that are blooming this time of the year. Everywhere I look, their vibrant colors, fragrances and textures add joy to my days.

For the food on my table, in my refrigerator, at the grocery store and roadside stands. Food...how often I take it for granted, and how devastating it would be to go hungry every day, as MANY in our world do. I want to constantly be reminded of how fortunate I am, for the food that is available for me. Speaking of, I tried this new salad recipe last evening, and both my husband and myself really enjoyed it! It will definitely go in my "favorite's file". I discovered it in my "Taste of the South" magazine. It is "A Taste of Maple Pear Salad."

1 - 15oz. package of mixed baby lettuces, washed and patted dry

2 pears, cored and thinly sliced(ripe, sweet pears are the best)

1/2 dried sweetened cranberries(craisins)

1/2 chopped toasted walnuts

1/4 cup feta cheese(or crumbled blue cheese)

1 recipe Maple Dressing(recipe follows)

In large bowl, combine lettuce, pears, cranberries, walnuts, and feta cheese. Drizzle with half of the Maple Dressing, tossing to coat. Serve remaining dressing on the side.

Maple Dressing

1/4 cup maple syrup

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

3 TBS. balamic vinegar

1 TBS. Dijon-style mustard

1/4 tea. ground black pepper

1/8 tea. salt

In a small bowl whisk all together.

This recipe was submitted by Elise Weis.

For the bountiful growing season that we are experiencing in this part of the country. Everywhere I look the fruits and vegtables are in abundance. The small roadside stands gracing the landscape in our county are too numerous to count, not to mention the overflowing produce isles of the local grocery store. Way too much rain, or weeks without rain, could change all of this drastically. So, on this July 4th holiday, I want to be reminded of how great a blessing this is to me. The cherries, blueberries, cantalopes, peaches...each sweet, ripe and delicious!!

What would the July 4th holiday be without watermelon? In my life, I as far back as I can remember, it has been an important part of the food and festivities that go with this day. Sweet, ripe, cold, red( and sometimes seedless), watermelon...what a luxury!

Family, friends, health and strength...huge blessings on this day. Time for fun, fellowship, food, laughter and sharing...how easy for me to take these for granted, and how quickly they can disappear. For MANY this holiday, these gifts are missing. Their hurts and heartaches are great! Their tears are flowing, and their hearts are breaking. I ask for time to reflect, time to pray, and time to remember those God has in my life, for whom this may be true.

July 4th...what a gift and what a privilege for each one in our country to celebrate. May I never take it all for granted.

Wishing each of you, my blogging friends, a very special July 4th holiday with those you love.